House Republican Policy Committee launches Law Enforcement Task Force
WASHINGTON — Today, Republican Policy Committee Chairman Luke Messer (IN-06) and Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) announced the official launch of the Republican Policy Committee Law Enforcement Task Force at a press conference on Capitol Hill.
“We all know that tensions between local law enforcement and the communities they serve have rarely been higher in this country,” said Congressman Messer. “That’s not good for America, and, as a nation, we have to do better. I believe I speak for everyone on the task force when I say, we, as Republicans, want to be part of the solution.”
The task force will be chaired by Congressman Reichert who has over 30 years of experience in local law enforcement. He’s known for helping to catch the “Green River killer”—a man who murdered more than 40 women in the Seattle area in the 1980s and 1990s.
“Before coming to Congress, I spent 33 years in law enforcement so I understand what it takes to make a good cop and to ensure they have the tools they need to serve and protect their communities,” said Congressman Reichert. “We need a return to civility in our nation. This task force is made up of people from many different perspectives who want to find the facts to achieve that goal – looking for ways to support our communities and our law enforcement so that they can find mutual respect for one another. I’m excited to begin our work, and I know that facts lead to answers and answers to solutions.”
The Law Enforcement Task Force expects to take a deep dive into the drivers of the tensions between police officers and the communities that they serve. The task force plans to hold field hearings, round-table discussions and meetings with relevant stakeholders in the hopes of coming back with recommendations that will help improve the vital relationship between communities and law enforcement.
“We’ve got to make sure that citizens feel safe, protected, and respected, while ensuring law enforcement personnel have the tools necessary to do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Messer.
Members of the Law Enforcement Task Force have over 90 years combined experience in law enforcement. Members include Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), Reps. Susan Brooks (IN-05), Jeff Miller (FL-01), Pete King (NY-02), Ted Poe (TX-02), Richard Nugent (FL-11), Steve Knight (CA-25) and Mia Love (UT-04).
A video of the press conference can be found here.